2021 Dom Lyrarakis Mandilari Plakoura (Crete)

The Lyrarakis 2021 Mandilari Plakoura shows exactly why some growers refer to Mandilaria as the `beast` of Cretan viticulture. Inky dark in appearance with purplish highlights, it delivers concentrated aromas of cherry syrup, crushed rose petals and slate. The wine`s defining characteristic is its formidable tannic structure, with chalky, finely textured tannins that dominate the palate while still managing to feel polished. Notes of red tea and dried flowers add complexity, but this remains a bold, powerful expression of the variety. Sourced from the Plakoura vineyard in central Crete at 500 meters in elevation and aged for 18 months in oak, the wine demonstrates both the appeal and the challenge of Mandilaria on its own, while also making a compelling case for why it is so often blended with the softer Kotsifali grape. 91 points